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Periodontal Disease, Gum Disease, and Heart Health

The most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque can cause blood clots that induce heart attacks when they escape into the bloodstream, researchers have reported.

Gum disease may weaken heart meds Finnish researchers are linking periodontitis, or gum disease, with the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics that prevent heart attacks. Scientists in Helsinki gave 141 patients with and without periodontitis a three-month course of treatment with antibiotics made to decrease the recurrence of cardiovascular events. The double-blind trial then registered the recurrence of new cardiovascular eventsover the course of one year. According to the article, which is in the journal Atherosclerosis, 79 percent of patients without gum disease went a year without new heart problems. That number dropped to 74 percent in the patients without teeth and 66 percent in those with periodontitis. Periodontitis destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth and can cause tooth loss.

The researchers said this is the first time dental infections have been linked to the effectiveness of long-term treatment with these antibiotics. But other research has recently linked gum disease with an increase risk for heart disease, stroke and premature births.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our Palm Beach Gardens general & cosmetic dental office today. We look forward to providing you with the personal care you deserve.